Is the CA notary exam difficult?
Asked by: Maci Gaylord | Last update: June 23, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (7 votes)
California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
Is the California notary test hard?
The California notary exam is not too difficult, if you are willing to study and memorize all the required skills and rules to be a Notary Public. The notary exam will have 45 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 70% correctly to pass.
What is the pass rate for the California notary exam?
On average 97% of our students pass the California Notary Exam the first time. The state does charge you $20.00 for retaking the test and you can only take the exam once per calendar month. What happens if I fail the test?
Is it hard to be a notary in California?
Requirements to Become a Notary Public
be a legal California resident. complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State. satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State. clear a background check.
What is the best way to study for the California notary exam?
- Review the Notary Public Handbook. It contains detailed information about laws and regulations that control notary public services in California. ...
- Take an online notary course. ...
- Practice with sample exam questions. ...
- Practice time management. ...
- Read the questions carefully.
CALIFORNIA NOTARY PUBLIC EXAM | WHAT'S ON THE TEST, DIFFICULTY, WHAT I WISH I KNEW, ADVICE
Is there a demand for Notaries in California?
Demand: The need for notaries is on the rise due to economic growth and increased legal services. This trend creates ample job opportunities. Earning Potential: With California being the highest-paying state for notaries, the average salary stands at $59,055 per year.
How many questions are on the CA notary exam?
The Notary Public exam is 45 items and candidates are permitted 60 minutes to complete the exam. All of the material in the California Notary Public Handbook (including updates, if any) is subject to examination.
What is the hardest state to become a notary?
New York. New York has one of the toughest tests to become a Notary. The Empire State requires Notary applicants to take and pass an exam in order to receive a commission.
Is it worth being a notary in California?
California is the highest paying state in the U.S. when it comes to being a notary public. The average salary of a notary public in California is $59,055. Considering the average of the country is roughly $45,000, this is another great reason to become a notary in California.
What disqualifies you from being a notary in California?
Failure to disclose any arrest or conviction. Conviction of a felony where not more than 10 years have passed since the completion of probation. Conviction of a disqualifying misdemeanor where not more than 5 years have passed since the completion of probation.
How long is the California notary course?
All persons seeking appointment as a notary public must satisfactorily complete a Secretary of State approved six-hour course of study prior to appointment.
How long does it take to get results from CA notary exam?
Results from your Notary Public Examination will be emailed (if you provided an email address on the upper right hand corner of your application) or mailed via United States Postal Service 15-20 business days following the examination. Exam result information will not be discussed over the phone.
How many times can you take the CA notary exam?
The examination may be re-taken, but may not be taken more than once in the same calendar month.
What to wear to a notary exam?
Since it is vital to make a good first impression, you are advised to dress “business casual” so that you will never feel underdressed or make anyone feel uncomfortable. This includes dress shoes, solid colored slacks, and a collared shirt or a blouse.
Is it hard to work as a notary?
As a self-employed notary, enjoying a steady source of income may be difficult. This is because the flow of jobs may be unpredictable and estimating how often your clients will need your services may be difficult.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
What type of notary makes the most money?
#1: Loan Signing Agent
One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent.
What are the cons of being a notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
Is it stressful to be a notary?
Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.
Is there a demand for online notaries?
States such as California and Texas often see higher demand, increasing the potential for new notaries to secure more jobs. With an average of 5-10 notarizations per day, a notary in these states could earn between $125 and $500 daily.
What is the hardest notary exam?
And the toughest notary exam is...
New York has the toughest exam to become a notary with a minimum passing score of 70%. The disconnect is that New York does not require any training requirements which leaves the individual on his own for preparing for the exam from one of the online exam preparation materials.
Is it hard to become a Notary Public in California?
Notary Education: To become a California notary, you must first take a California notary course. New notaries in California must take a six-hour notary training course. Renewing notaries are required to take a three-hour notary course. Notary Learning Center offers live notary training seminars.
How many questions can you miss on the CA test?
In summary, there are 46 questions on the permit test in California and you must answer 38 questions correctly to pass the test.